The Frontenac County Children’s Aid Society (CAS) recently honored the “Manage Your Money” (MY$) project with the “Youth Appreciation Award” for working in partnership to provide support to youth. Congratulations team! It was doled out at this year’s edition of the Extended Care Maintenance annual Christmas Party for the (CAS) on December 20th, 2011. Colin Slade, instructor for the (MY$) program for the last two sessions, was on hand to receive the award. He said a few words of thanks, and also recognized the achievements of the youth we have worked with thus far.
Manage Your Money began as an effort to help smooth the transition into adulthood for the 9,200 at-risk Ontario youth by teaching financial literacy. What began as a program designed for college students became part of a mandatory requirement course for first students here at St. Lawrence College, and latter adopted by the Children Aid Society.
Recently, we partnered with CAS to help them meet a federal mandate requiring they teach financial literacy skills to youth in their care. As a result of the hardship and trauma that some of the youth have experienced, they are at increased risk of living under the poverty line.
Upon collaboration with CAS we were able to determine what the at-risk youth would need to become successful, independent adults. We created a curriculum, which covers topics like learning styles, coping mechanisms, the cost of living and goal setting. All of our lessons build on each other to teach these young adults that they can take control of their financial lives and avoid the hardships of poverty.
